Those trying to undermine peacekeepers' role are BD's enemies: Shahriar
Monday, 26 June 2023
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Sunday said those who at home and abroad are trying to undermine Bangladesh peacekeepers' achievements in the UN missions are enemies of the country, reports UNB.
"It is very unfortunate. They are our pride. Our peacekeepers are an example in the whole world. They are not Bangladesh's friends but they are enemies who are trying to undermine this achievement and trying to make our efforts fail," he said.
The state minister made the remarks when his comment was sought about the letters before the visit of United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and comments by two international human rights bodies at DCAB Talk at Foreign Service Academy.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh first deployed uniformed personnel to serve with the organization in 1988 when they were deployed to help monitor the armistice between Iran and Iraq.
So far, 167 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping operations, Shahriar said.
Over the past three decades, the contributions of these brave men and women in the countries in which they serve have been immense, the UN said.
The state minister said the people of Bangladesh should know those who provoked them - whether they are congressmen, senators, president, prime minister.
"We have no reason to react to those letters as these are their internal communications," he said, adding that some people have stood against Bangladesh since the trial of war criminals.
As the national election is approaching nearer, Shahriar said, please be ensured that the number of such letters will only increase.
The state minister said he has two draft letters in his hands which BNP people are roaming around to reach out to European and American politicians and trying to convince them.